JCS: "Regarding 'Delayed Reporting' Suspicion, Detailed Explanation Possible Once Ministry of National Defense Audit Results Are Released"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that regarding the large-scale COVID-19 outbreak among the Cheonghae Unit and the suspicion of a 'delayed report,' they will provide a detailed explanation once the Ministry of National Defense audit results are released.

On the 22nd, Kim Jun-rak, spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared on YTN Radio's "Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning" and stated, "Regarding the measures taken inside the ship when cold symptoms were present and the reporting to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the question of whether it was 'somewhat delayed' is currently being investigated by the Ministry of National Defense through an audit," adding this.

The Ministry of National Defense Audit Office plans to investigate from today until the 6th of next month whether the response to the COVID-19 cluster infection among the 34th Cheonghae Unit soldiers was appropriate. The investigation will target the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Operations Command, Navy Headquarters, relevant departments of the Ministry of National Defense, and the Armed Forces Medical Command.

Regarding the specifics of how the audit is being conducted, Kim said, "It is understood that the audit is reviewing the initial measures and the overall process in the middle," and added, "Details will be explained once the results are available."

There is also criticism that the Joint Chiefs of Staff is not disclosing the manual containing COVID-19 response guidelines for overseas deployed units. In response, Kim said, "Whether to disclose it is something that needs to be reviewed again later," and added, "We are reviewing how to provide explanations within the scope of what can be disclosed."

He explained, "Basically, the Ministry of National Defense has basic response rules for infectious disease outbreaks in the crisis management manual for deployed units," and "In June 2020, the Joint Chiefs of Staff also specified this by issuing COVID-19 related preparedness guidelines, type-specific preparedness plans, and contingency plans for cluster infections in overseas deployed units."

Among overseas deployed units, ground units are expected to complete their second vaccinations by next month. Kim said, "Currently, there are deployed units such as Dongmyeong Unit, Hanbit Unit, and Ark Unit," and "Ground units have been able to receive vaccinations administered by the host country or the United Nations with individual consent."

He continued, "Currently, there are about 1,000 soldiers deployed overseas, most of whom have completed vaccination, and those who have only received the first dose are expected to complete it in cooperation with the respective countries by August."